You could hike and paddle your way to a picture-perfect view of Lake George and the Adirondack Mountains, but that doesn’t mean you have to. Our highways, byways and mountain roads are equally inviting, and offer a leisurely alternative to take in the scenery. Cruise around the lake, climb a mountain, stop at an overlook, and explore the area’s quaint lakeside communities on these scenic drives in and around Lake George.
Lake George Scenic Byway
Follow the western shore of Lake George up Lake Shore Drive/Route 9N from Lake George Village to the Village of Ticonderoga for this hour-long scenic drive. Enjoy glimpses of the lake and its many lakefront resorts, cabins and mansions, as the two-lane, treelined road passes through the communities of Diamond Point, Bolton Landing and Hague. Continue north to Ticonderoga for the best views of Lake George, and take a drive up Mount Defiance for bonus views of Historic Fort Ticonderoga and the surrounding lakes and mountains, before heading back down the eastern shore of the lake.
State Route 8 to Brant Lake
For a scenic drive through the mountains to another beautiful Adirondack lake, head west on State Route 8 to the small mountain town of Brant Lake. To get there from Lake George Village, follow Lake Shore Drive/Route 9N to the Town of Hague. Across from the town beach, you’ll see the turn off for State Route 8, also known as Graphite Mountain Road. Continue on Route 8 through the hamlets of Graphite and Dixon Forest, and take in the spectacular views of the Adirondack High Peaks. Finish the drive around the shores of Brant Lake, and head back to Lake George via I-87 south.
Veteran’s Memorial Park Highway
Prospect Mountain is a popular hike, but it also one of the few mountains in Lake George that you can drive up to the summit. Weather-permitting, the Veteran’s Memorial Park Highway is open from Memorial Day to early November, and costs $10. This 5.5-mile road winds around the mountain, offering pull-offs and scenic overlooks along the way. Park your car at the top and take the short-walk to the summit, where you’ll find picnic areas and breathtaking, panoramic views of Lake George, the Village and Adirondack Mountains.
Top of the World
You may not technically be on top of the world, but you’ll feel like king of the mountain on this short scenic drive to Top of the World Golf Resort in Lake George. Set atop French Mountain, the resort features an 18-hole golf course, restaurant and some pretty spectacular views of Lake George and the Adirondacks. To get there, head east from Lake George Village toward Route 9L along the shoreline of the lake. Make a right onto Lockhart Mountain Road and continue on Top of the World Road to the resort.
Plan Your Visit to Lake George
Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip or week-long holiday, Northern Living can help you map out the perfect Lake George getaway. We have more than 50 luxury vacation home rentals in the Lake George Region, including relaxing lakeside cottages, romantic mountaintop cabins, golf retreats and private custom homes with upscale amenities, such as lake access, dock space, hot tubs and fireplaces.
Browse our listings or contact us and allow our concierge professionals to personally pair you with the perfect home for your Lake George vacation.
